Japhet, in Search of a Father eBook

As soon as I was on the sofa, wrapped up in one of
the dressing-gowns of Mr Cophagus, he told me that
the clothes in which I had been picked up were all
in tatters, and asked me whether I would like to have
others made according to the usual fashion, or like
those with whom I should, he trusted, in future reside.
I had already debated this matter in my mind.
Return to the world I had resolved not to do; to follow
up the object of my search appeared to me only to
involve me in difficulties; and what were the intentions
of Cophagus with regard to me, I knew not. I
was hesitating, for I knew not what answer to give,
when I perceived the pensive, deep blue eye of Susannah
fixed upon me, watching attentively, if not eagerly,
for my response.

It decided the point. “If,” replied
I, “you do not think that I should disgrace
you, I should wish to wear the dress of the Society
of Friends, although not yet one of your body.”

“But soon to be, I trust,” replied Mrs
Cophagus.

“Alas!” replied I, “I am an outcast;”
and I looked at Susannah Temple.

“While I am with you,” replied I, addressing
myself to them all, “I consider it my duty to
conform to your manners in every way, but by-and-bye,
when I resume my search—­”

“And why shouldst thou resume a search which
must prove unavailing, and but leads thee into error
and misfortune? I am but young, Japhet Newland,
and not perhaps so able to advise, yet doth it appear
to me, that the search can only be availing when made
by those who left thee. When they wish for you,
they will seek thee, but thy seeking them is vain and
fruitless.”

“But,” replied I, “recollect that
inquiries have already been made at the Foundling,
and those who inquired have been sent away disappointed—­they
will enquire no more.”

“And is a parent’s love so trifling, that
one disappointment will drive him from seeking of
his child? No, no, Japhet; if thou art yearned
for, thou wilt be found, and fresh inquiries will
be made; but thy search is unavailing, and already
hast thou lost much time.”

“True, Susannah, thy advice is good,”
replied Mrs Cophagus; “in following a shadow
Japhet hath much neglected the substance; it is time
that thou shouldst settle thyself, and earn thy livelihood.”

“And do thy duty in that path of life to which
it hath pleased God to call thee,” continued
Susannah, who with Mrs Cophagus walked out of the
room.